As filmmakers, we need to act as if we are running our own company. Do you know where you want your film company to be to be 3, 5, 10 years from now?

Visionary filmmakers have a plan and work toward achievement of that plan and vision.

Passion

I sit on loads of panels at film festivals and industry events all over the world. The most frequently asked questions of successful filmmakers is: 'What is the single most important ingredient for success. The answer is always the "P" word: PASSION.

If you don't have the burning desire to make your film, you will find it impossible to attract money and talent to your project(s)

If you don't have passion, it could mean that you suffer from one of the 3 major reasons filmmakers fail:

Either you lack confidence, or you are prone to self destruction, or you procrastinate (my personal favourite!)

Commitment

Either you have the ability to go the extra little bit when all around you are dropping with fatigue and weariness or you don't.

Partnerships

All of the great filmmakers have assembled teams of talented people to work on their projects. And successful filmmakers also form relationships with financiers and distributors - the people who start and end the business cycle of the movies created.

Never forget that it is a people industy - it's not what you know, but whom.

Investment

There are two ways of looking at money: do you have an abundance mentality or a scarcity mentality? Your filmmaking projects will suffer if you don't deal with financial issues. Investment is not just about money either. It is about taking the time to learn, meditate and discover which issues are holding you back.

Your Body

If you don't look after your engine (your body) you will fail. If you don't look after your spirit (your fuel) you will fail.

You can't have a successful life if your body and soul are falling apart.

Friends & Family

Your friends and family is like an oasis where you can retreat to rest and nourish yourself. Danny Boyle has such a network up in the north country. Where did he go after he won all those Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire? Up North. And was pictured in the pages having a round (or three) with his mates at home. Christopher Nolan is another Raindance regular who is surrounded by family and friends that offer creative and business support and acumen. Don't neglect or fail to nurture this important asset.

Personal Growth & Development

The film and media industry is changing nearly every hour. You can't stand still. Getting up and putting an appearance at work is no longer enough. You need to keep learning and develop. If you don't you will soon fall to the rear of the pack.

Personal Presence

People are attracted to magnetic people. Magnetic people have the ability to listen and the ability to impart their passion and feeling for a project. Get good at it.

Fade Out

Some filmmakers wake up each day with personal goals and plans, others just show up.
Which are you?

He has produced over 150 short films, and 5 feature films incuding his latest feature film, Deadly Virtues: Love.Honour.Obey. He has written eight scripts, one of which is currently in pre-production. He teaches writers and producers in the UK, Europe. Japan and America.